SHARK WEEK

This half term Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium will be inviting visitors to delve into the world of sharks as part of their ‘Shark Week’ event (February 11th to February 19th).

As well as coming face to face with the amazing Black Tip Reef Sharks in the underwater tunnel, there will be a number of different species of shark on display at the aquarium including Dog Fish, Brown Branded Bamboo Catshark and the Port Jackson Shark.

Throughout the week the team of aquarists will be giving special talks about sharks and there will be regular shark feeds taking place for the public to observe.

Visitors will also be able to learn all about these fascinating creatures and take part in various shark themed fun activities such as a shark quiz, crafts, puzzles and competitions. There will also be a special trail for the younger visitors with hidden toy sharks in the displays for them to find, for a chance to win a prize.Blue Reef aquarist Ed Wainwright said: “Shark week is a great way to show the public another side to sharks. They’re often portrayed as fearsome creatures when actually you are more likely to come under attack via a coconut.”Sharks first appeared in our seas 350 million years ago – that’s 100 million years before the dinosaurs. Today there are over 350 different species from the 18cm spined pygmy shark to the 18 metre whale shark.

British waters are visited by over 30 different species – including the world’s second largest, the basking shark, which can grow to 12 metres.

Issued by Blue Reef Aquarium. For more information and to arrange interviews and picture/filming opportunities please contact Melissa Hallam on 01637 878134.